Study with us
Program details
To earn your PhD, you must demonstrate independent research capability. The program consists of coursework, a candidacy exam, and a substantial research component.
Expected duration: 3+ years
Tuition and fees: Tuition fees are charged for terms one and two and terms four and five. A continuing fee is paid for term three, term six and each subsequent term. (Refer to Graduate tuition and fees.)
Course work
Students must complete 21 credit hours of coursework including a minimum of nine credit hours in the program area; a minimum of six credit hours in a support area; and a minimum of six credit hours of research methods.
Students in the Individualized PhD program can take Doctoral Seminar 1 and Doctoral Seminar 2 to satisfy the Support Area course requirements. In addition, there is an Advanced Research Methodology course offered exclusively for PhD students. Students will work with their Advisor to determine the courses in their plan.
Note that not all PhD courses listed in the Academic Calendar are offered every year. Future graduate course offerings are listed on the Education website.
Sample course offerings
- EDUC 7040: Current Issues in Mathematics Education (6 credit hours)
- EDUC 7050: Doctoral Study in Education (3 credit hours)
- EDUC 7060: Advanced Seminar in Educational Administration 1 (3 credit hours)
For full course descriptions, please visit the Academic Calendar.
Candidacy Exam
The Candidacy Examination is normally taken after successful completion of all coursework. The purpose of the written candidacy examination is to assess the student’s preparedness in: the major program area (which normally constitutes the major or field of specialization); the support area(s) of study; and research methods. The examination is set by the student’s Advisory Committee and approved by the Doctoral Studies Committee. The examination will consist of a series of questions based on completed coursework provided to the student.
Research Thesis
An essential feature of PhD study is the student’s demonstration of competence to complete a research project and present the findings. The thesis must constitute a distinct contribution to knowledge in the major field of study, and the research must be of sufficient merit to be, in the judgement of the examiners, acceptable for publication. The student will work under the guidance of their Advisory and Advisory Committee in preparing a thesis proposal and final thesis. The final thesis will be reviewed by an external examiner before proceeding to a final oral examination.
Admission requirements
To qualify for admission to the PhD in Education program, you must have a minimum of:
- A master’s degree from a recognized institution (The MEd course-based route at the University of Manitoba is typically a terminal degree. It is insufficient as evidence of research capacity for admission into the PhD in Education program).
- A minimum GPA of 3.0 in your last 60 credit hours of university study.
- A suitable academic background for the program area admission is being sought.
- Appropriate research capability and occupational experience.
Admission to the Individualized PhD program is highly competitive. Meeting these requirements does not guarantee acceptance into the program.
In addition to the admission requirements described here, all applicants must meet the minimum admission and English language proficiency requirements of the Faculty of Graduate Studies.
How to apply
The PhD in Education program has one application deadline per year and applications are accepted for September entry only. Applications must be completed online and include several parts:
- $100 application fee (non-refundable)
- Unofficial copies of transcripts
- Current CV that includes your past academic history (including degrees/diplomas and universities); publications; conference presentations; scholarships and awards; teaching, counselling, administrative and/or other professional work experience; and research experiences.
- Two letters of recommendation, preferably one from the supervisor of the work submitted as evidence of appropriate research capability and from your prospective Advisor (must be requested from within the application).
- Publication/writing sample: Evidence of research capability, such as your completed thesis, a published article, or research report.
- Thesis/research proposal: Your statement needs to reflect who you are as an aspiring academic and your research interests and should be no more than 1000 words. Your statement should include: a description of your academic background and professional experiences and how those experiences motivated you to choose your field of study; what it is you would like to explore in the doctoral program, including the research questions that you’d like to explore, the kinds of theoretical framings that interest you, and how this exploration will inform the field; and, how your interests align with the expertise within the Faculty, and with your proposed advisor(s), in particular.
- Supervisor Support: It is highly recommended that you contact those who you would like to list as potential supervisors and to confirm their interest and availability in taking on the role as your advisor. It is important that the proposed advisor can ensure that their area of expertise is a fit with your intended program and proposed research. Provide a statement indicating your preference (rank-ordered) of two faculty members under whose supervision you would like to study. For each, provide a rationale describing the match between your research interests and the supervisor’s research interests and experience. Indicate if they have confirmed their willingness to act as your advisor.
- Indicate if you have secured funding or will be applying for funding from the Faculty of Education and/or Faculty of Graduate Studies funding opportunities
- Proof of English language proficiency, if required
Application deadline
Learn more
Keep exploring
Contact us
Admission and application inquiries
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Room 500 UMSU University Centre
65 Chancellors Circle
University of Manitoba (Fort Garry campus)
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
graduate.admissions@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9377
Monday to Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Program inquiries
Faculty of Education
203 Education Building,
71 Curry Place
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
education@umanitoba.ca
Phone: 204-474-9004
1-800-432-1960 ext 9004
Fax: 204-474-7551